Chrysler reports July sales increased 11 percent; best July in seven years

(August 1, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales of 140,102 units, an 11 percent increase compared with sales in July 2012 (126,089 units), and the group’s best July sales since 2006.

The Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Fiat brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram truck brand’s 31 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in July. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 40 consecutive months in July.

“We continue to see strong retail sales, particularly with our pickup trucks and SUVs, and that has helped to propel Chrysler Group to our 40th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. sales. “In addition, the all-new Fiat 500L is off to a great start with 962 units sold in its first full month on sale.”

The Ram truck brand sales gain was driven by the 31 percent increase in Ram pickup truck sales. Dodge brand sales were up 18 percent in July, driven in part by the 88 percent increase in Dodge Durango full-size SUV sales. Jeep brand sales were up 2 percent as all Jeep brand models in production recorded year-over-year sales gains in July. FIAT brand sales were up 2 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago.

Six Chrysler Group vehicles set sales records in July. Three Dodge brand vehicles — the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Dart compact sedan — each recorded their best sales for July. The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Compass also registered their best sales for July. Sales of the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 30 percent, its best July sales since 2005.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 66-day supply of inventory (371,889 units).